Asterix and the Laurel Wreath (1971)

Asterix and the Laurel Wreath Review

Asterix and the Laurel Wreath is the eighteenth volume of the Asterix comic strip series that was written by Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. It was published in 1971 and it is one of the weaker entries in the series.

Chief Vitalstatistix rashly invites his brother-in-law to dine of a stew seasoned with Caesar’s laurel wreath, so Asterix and Obelix must go to Rome to fetch those laurels. Hoping to get access to Caesar, they sell themselves as slaves. Similar in quality to ‘Asterix and the Banquet’, this means that this comic isn’t among the very worst, but it’s among the lesser efforts by Goscinny. I cannot really criticize Uderzo here as his illustrations are once again terrific, colorful and richly detailed, but the story left a lot to be desired.

The only truly great aspect to this storyline is all the Vitalstatistix stuff. The beginning with that family was so funny. It was interesting seeing him out of his element as the chief and in a more familial role. Impedimenta also got some strong moments in that first half and the brother-in-law character was a riot.

The main issue with the second half that becomes infinitely weaker is the very low stakes and the episodic nature of the plot that never actually goes anywhere. The part where the two are slaves in that mansion was the best of the bunch as it has a couple of hilarious moments, particularly set in the kitchen. But the trial section was boring and unfunny and the eventual conclusion of the story was ridiculously simplistic and anti-climactic. Caesar was only really there as a plot device, which was so unfortunate as he is an amazing villain.

Overall, Asterix and the Laurel Wreath has its strong moments. The main duo are fun and Vitalstatistix was hilarious in the first half. The problem here lies in that messy second half where the plot was episodic and dull and the ending was ridiculously anti-climactic.

My Rating – 3.7